Current Affairs - State - Discussion

Sambar deer, the largest deer species in South Asia, were recorded at unusually high elevations in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Traditionally, these deer are found in the lower Shivalik hills, moist deciduous forests, and regions below about 2,000 metres. However, camera trap images documented their presence in higher-altitude areas such as the Kalatop–Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gamgul Wildlife Sanctuary, where elevations exceed 2,500 to 3,000 metres. This observation is significant because it suggests possible shifts in wildlife distribution patterns. Factors such as climate change, habitat changes, and improved protection of forest areas may be influencing the movement and habitat range of species like the sambar deer.